The pastor met his end as he embarked on the journey of no food-no-water to emulate Jesus Christ’s 40 days and 40 nights fasting.

44-year-old Alfred Ndlovu allegedly left home for the spiritual journey on 17 June. Just like Jesus, Ndlovu left the things of the world behind him and focused on God as he took to the bush to conduct prayers.

His death came as a shock to his family, church members and the community at large. The middle aged man was largely known as a very spiritual person with a faith that could move mountains.

A close relative lamented: “He was a very spiritual man. Its unfortunate he had to die this way. After a month we got the sad news of his death.”

“Pastor was a healthy and religious old man who did not even look his age.”

However, the record breaker couldn’t live up to Jesus standard as he gave up the ghost after just a month. There was no history of illness in his life and he was as healthy as a horse when he left for the spiritual journey.

His dead body was discovered by a stranger as he was all alone in the wilderness. The stranger then alerted the police who informed his family and congregation.

As South African pastor dies following 30 days fasting in an attempt to equal or probably surpass Jesus Christ’s record of 40 days and 40 nights fasting, I can’t help but wonder; Was Jesus setting a record when he fasted and prayed in the wilderness?